Safer primary healthcare facilities are needed to protect healthcare workers and maintain essential services: lessons learned from a multicountry COVID-19 emergency response initiative. Issue 6 (3rd June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patel, Leena N; Kozikott, Samantha; Ilboudo, Rodrigue; Kamateeka, Moreen; Lamorde, Mohammed; Subah, Marion; Tsiouris, Fatima; Vorndran, Anna; Lee, Christopher T
• Other Names: author non-byline.; Abdu-Aguye Ramatu author non-byline.; Abdulkadir Usman Gana author non-byline.; Adamu Usman Saidu author non-byline.; Aina Olugbemiga author non-byline.; Amone Jackson author non-byline.; Bammeke Philip author non-byline.; Bello Bakunawa Garba author non-byline.; Brudney Karen author non-byline.; Chae Sae-Rom author non-byline.; Cristóvão António author non-byline.; Damisa Eunice author non-byline.; Etoundi Mballa Georges Alain author non-byline.; Ginindza Ntombi author non-byline.; Gobte Nkwan Jacob author non-byline.; Grant Benjamin author non-byline.; Hartsough Kieran author non-byline.; Hussen Shambel A. author non-byline.; Kambugu Andrew author non-byline.; Kamiru Harrison author non-byline.; Masiye Jones Kaponda author non-byline.; Kayigamba Felix author non-byline.; Lako Richard author non-byline.; Macheso Stephen author non-byline.; Maile Limpho author non-byline.; Manzi Olivier author non-byline.; Maria Joana author non-byline.; Michaels-Strasser Susan author non-byline.; Moe Lucy author non-byline.; Munthali Lumbani author non-byline.; Mviha Naomi author non-byline.; Mwima Gerald author non-byline.; Ndagije Felix author non-byline.; Neves Isilda author non-byline.; Nguku Patrick author non-byline.; Ogunsula Folasade author non-byline.; Okware Solome author non-byline.; Olaro Charles author non-byline.; Ozaki Ibrahim Suleiman author non-byline.; Rabkin Miriam author non-byline.; Reeves Mantue author non-byline.; Ruston Yarnko T. author non-byline.; Sahabo Ruben author non-byline.; Shuaib Faisal author non-byline.; Tehmeh Likelay author non-byline.; Tenthani Lyson author non-byline.; Thomas Marshall author non-byline.; Ubar Belinda author non-byline.; Ugbenyo Gideon author non-byline.; Ukaejiofo Onyekachi author non-byline.; Umeokonkwo Chukwuma David author non-byline.; Upenytho George author non-byline.; Vambe Debra author non-byline.; Wesseh Chea Sanford author non-byline.; Worku Habtamu Ayalneh author non-byline.;
• Is Part Of: BMJ global health. Volume 6:Issue 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06-03
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- health systems -- health policy; World health -- Periodicals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005833
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2059-7908

Abstract

Abstract : Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of infection from SARS-CoV-2 and other disease pathogens, which take a disproportionate toll on HCWs, with substantial cost to health systems. Improved infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes can protect HCWs, especially in resource-limited settings where the health workforce is scarcest, and ensure patient safety and continuity of essential health services. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we collaborated with ministries of health and development partners to implement an emergency initiative for HCWs at the primary health facility level in 22 African countries. Between April 2020 and January 2021, the initiative trained 42 058 front-line HCWs from 8444 health facilities, supported longitudinal supervision and monitoring visits guided by a standardised monitoring tool, and provided resources including personal protective equipment (PPE). We documented significant short-term improvements in IPC performance, but gaps remain. Suspected HCW infections peaked at 41.5% among HCWs screened at monitored facilities in July 2020 during the first wave of the pandemic in Africa. Disease-specific emergency responses are not the optimal approach. Comprehensive, sustainable IPC programmes are needed. IPC needs to be incorporated into all HCW training programmes and combined with supportive supervision and mentorship. Strengthened data systems on IPC are needed to guide improvements at the health facility level and to inform policy development at the national level, along with investments in infrastructure and sustainable supplies of PPE. Multimodal strategies to improve IPC are critical to make health facilities safer and to protect HCWs and the communities they serve.